A Harley-Davidson Table for a “Rad Dad” – Celebrating My Husband’s Trifecta of Special Days This Month – His 66th Birthday, His Retirement and Father’s Day!!

Celebrating Father’s Day, Dad’s Birthday and Retirement too, in May 2023!!! This post was originally shared in May 2023.

Barbie and Ken have Harley-Davidson Motorcycles?!?!?

Years ago when I was looking through Pinterest and other websites for Tablescape ideas for Father’s Day I found a Dad’s Birthday table that featured Barbie and Ken on Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Up until that point I hadn’t realized that Barbie and Ken had gotten so “cool”, but I set out to find a Harley-Davidson Barbie and Ken. It appeared that they were made mainly from 1997 to 2001 but there was also a 2009 one as well. As, I was looking for these in 2017, they were no longer available in stores so I immediately checked eBay and was happy to find some Barbies and Kens and also some motorcycles. My plan was to make a tablescape for my husband for Father’s Day. That 2017 tablescape was made at the “City House”.

In some ways the redo of this, was a “Murphy’s law” kind of Tablescape. The first glitch was that both Barbies, and one of the Ken’s are wearing fake leather, which looked great in 2017, but for some reason was falling apart this year when I touched their clothes as I was repositioning them. I decided to use them anyway and so you may notice that their clothes may look a bit worn out – I guess I’ll pretend they have been doing enough motorcycle riding to wear out their clothes!

This year I decided to redo that Harley-Davidson tablescape but to do it this time here at the lake, for my husband’s trifecta of special days. This past week he retired from his engineering job at the company he has worked for since he graduated from College – 44 Years!!! He retired on his 66th Birthday, and only a few weeks from Father’s Day!!! So all his Special Days came together which seemed like a perfect time for the tablescape. We are both really looking forward to retirement days. For Wayne, it means more time for fishing, traveling, watching armchair sports, and boating and much more time for Harley Riding than he has had in the past.

The Dinnerware

When I was looking for a Harley-Davidson Barbie and Ken I also did a search for Harley-Davidson plates and found the below. They were made by The Memory Company LLC and are both dishwasher safe and microwave safe. I love the look of the plates but have been disappointed in their quality, as they have “crazed” horribly in spite of the fact that I do not wash them in the dishwasher. Finding out that almost every plate had crazing, was glitch 2 in my “Murphy’s law” Tablescape. Crazing is small hairline cracks that form in the glaze on the plate and allow water and food to penetrate the ceramic plate. I would love for you to comment on if this has happened to any of your plates, and what you think causes it. It has happened to me on three other fairly recent dish patterns – one by Johnson Brothers, a few of my Bordallo Pinheiro plates and Christmastime by Nikko. Although I have many other different kinds of dishes, these are the only 4 brands I have purchased new which have crazing. I am keeping my eyes open for some Harley-Davidson Plates to replace these, but have not found any as of yet.

The Plate Stack

For the plate stack – which sits on a solid black tablecloth – I started with a silver and fake pearl placemat, followed by an orange charger that was new to the tablescape this year and then added the Harley-Davidson plate.

Originally I made the plate stack without the silver and pearl placemats (see above)but because of the large table size (approx 42″ by 109″) it left a lot of very dark places rather than the bright happy retirement look I was going for, so I added the silver placemats to represent the fancy chrome on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and to brighten the table. Below is the table with the silver placemats. Which of these two tables do you like best?

I especially enjoyed adding the “Chrome look” placemats because when my husband first purchased his Harley-Davidson trike in 2010, I think he was almost as excited about the Chrome and Gold Accessories, as he was the about the trike itself.

Below are some of the “Live to Ride” and other accessories of chrome and gold that Wayne has on his trike and really loves.

Napkin Rings and Napkins

For the Napkin Rings I used black leather Harley-Davidson bracelets with the silver Harley-Davidson Eagle and the “live to ride, ride to live” slogan. I found these on eBay for $6.89 each with free shipping – so this was an incredible deal. The Harley-Davidson name is like Disney in that just to use the name is quite costly, so Harley-Davidson merchandise tends to be cute but pricey.

The napkins are orange bandannas from Amazon and they were my second “deal” for the table. I purchased 12 of these “paisley Cowboy bandannas” for just $13.75.

Centerpieces

For Centerpieces I used 2 different Harley-Davidson Barbies, and 2 different Harley-Davidson Kens and 2 Barbie “Fat Boy”Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

Simba seemed interested in the new Harley-Davidson tablescape too!

I used two ceramic Harley Davidson replica gas tank Edible Arrangement Vases. These were purchased from eBay but originally were part of an Edible Arrangement. I used them as Candle Holders, using moving wick battery operated candles. I do not think I would use them with real candles as the vases were not made for heat. Someday I would like to use these gas tank vases with an edible arrangement like they were designed for, or with a flower arrangement.

Originally, the below picture was the look of the Edible Arrangement done with a Harley-Davidson gas tank vase. There were at least 3 variations of the gas tank vase itself – including the on below, and the two above, that I have. These can be purchased often from eBay or Etsy.

I placed a Harley-Davidson bud vase on the table and a few signs that said “Retirement – Let the Adventures Begin”. The Bud Vase (with Harley-Davidson medallion) was an eBay find.

As a finishing touch I added some retirement decorations from Party City.

I had the table almost ready when my husband got home from his last day of work. (the roses actually came the next day).

I had a “Happy Retirement” sign on the garage for when he came home too.

The next day I recruited our friends, Ash and Michelle, (who were on their way to celebrate Wayne’s retirement with us) to find some orange roses for the bud vase. They stopped at H.E.B. (a Texas grocery store) and found some gorgeous orange roses, and brought a whole bouquet for our tablescape and dining room.

We added the other roses in the bouquet to our “Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Toys Display” on our small chest of drawers in the dining room.

Michelle and Ash picked the perfect roses. I love the way they look with the tablescape and dining room. They really bring out the orange in the Harley-Davidson items.

Wayne loved his Retirement, Birthday, and Father’s Day Tablescape.

He also loved our cruise to dinner at the “Hunger Cafe”, one of the many restaurants on the water on our lake. This was the first time our boat was out for the season, and we were really glad to be once again heading to dinner by boat, and once again seeing the sunset over the water. Below is Michelle (left) and I (right) enjoying the cruise. Wayne was serving as Captain, and Ash as Co-Captain.

Our boat is the Chaparral Sunesta 243 we purchased in 2003 and we love it as much now as we did then!

The sunset was gorgeous!

Table Details and Origins for the Harley Davidson Retirement, Birthday, and Father’s Day Tablescape

Blonde Barbie with tan and black Harley-Davidson jacket – Mattel Barbie 25637 Harley Davidson Motorcycle Collectors Edition 1999 – eBay – buy with caution, as some of the “leather” outfits have deteriorated with age and storage

Brunette Barbie with ivory jacket and pants and blond Ken in gray shirt – 2009 Harley Davidson Pink Label Ken and Barbie Collector Doll Giftset Harley-Davidson – eBay –buy with caution, as some of the “leather” outfits have deteriorated with age and storage

Brunette Ken with leather vest- 1999 Mattel Harley-Davidson Ken #25638 – eBay –buy with caution, as some of the “leather” outfits have deteriorated with age and storage

1999 Mattel Barbie 26132 Harley Davidson Motorcycle – eBay –buy with caution, as some of the “leather” outfits on Barbie and Ken that go with this motorcycle have deteriorated with age and storage

Vintage Edible Arrangements Harley-Davidson Gas Tank vase – sold on eBay often

Harley-Davidson bud vase – eBay occasionally

Rochester Collection Hemstitched Tablecloth Black – Overstock – current in 2023

Harley-Davidson Plates – The Memory Company LLC – eBay – buy with caution as mine have lots of crazing. Consider black plates and orange plates (solid color) or Party paper plates such as these motorcycle plates from Amazon that are not brand specific, or consider, as this blogger did in – Dining Delight – and place a printed Harley-Davidson logo on top of a solid color orange, black or white plate.

Paisley Cowboy Bandana – orange – Amazon

Leather Harley-Davidson Bracelet with Eagle and “live to ride, Ride to Live” slogan (used as a napkin ring) -eBay

Orange Roses – H.E.B. Grocery Store – Floral Department

Orange Wine Goblets – Homegoods in December of 2021

Oneida Marquette Flatware – Amazon

Happy Retirement Celebration Room Decorating Kit 10pc – Garland and other decorations -Party City

Happy Retirement Celebration Banner – Party City

Small Chalkboards – Hobby Lobby

Harley-Davidson children’s toy tin motorcycle replicas – eBay

In This Post

To see what’s “Coming Soon”, and “Posts I Hope You Will Enjoy” please continue scrolling. Below those sections a “Link Parties” section. Then, at the very bottom of the post is a place to make comments. I hope you will scroll down and share your summer tablescape experiences and future plans, as well as your plans for Dad for Father’s Day! Also, if you happen to know any of the causes of crazing on ceramic dinner plates, and can share that with me – I would greatly appreciate it.

Coming Soon

This summer I plan to do at least 2 more seaside tables, including one with mermaids. I also plan to do one more patriotic tablescape post for the 4th of July and an Outdoor Decorations post for the 4th of July as well. I also hope to do an additional Father’s Day Fisherman’s Tablescape this tablescape could also be used as a birthday tablescape for a fisherman’s or “fisherwoman’s” birthday. (BTW – I was surprised to learn that “fisherwoman” is a real word – just one that is seldom used.

Posts I Hope You Will Enjoy!

If you enjoyed the Barbie and Ken dolls riding the Harley-Davidson motorcycles, you man enjoy my other “Barbie” post also.

The “Eras of Barbie” Tablescape

If you enjoyed the sunset on the water in this post, and if you are interested in lake life, I think you will enjoy the four posts below:

“Happy Spring!!!” – Table & Sunset

Lake Life – When the Lake Takes Over The Yard

Romantic Lakeside Dinner for Two at Sunset

Sunset on the Lake – April 2, 2023

Link Parties 

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Comments

I treasure your comments and will answer each one. I’d love for you to tell me about any of your past, present or future father’s day plans or tablescapes! Also, if you happen to know any of the causes of crazing on ceramic dinner plates, and can share that with me – I would greatly appreciate it – as I have had it happen to a few sets of dishes that I love and am hoping to avoid it in the future.

Wishing You and Your Family a

Wonderful Father’s Day!!